January 21, 2010

Social Security Disability Benefits Award Payment

Have you won your Social Security disability claim but are still waiting for your first disability payment? When Indiana Social Security Disability Attorney Scott Lewis gets a favorable outcome for his Social Security disability client’s claim, the claimant often asks him, “When will I receive my first payment?” Unfortunately, it is just simply impossible for Attorney Lewis to respond accurately to this question.

Realistically, a claimant will only know when their payment is coming when it actually arrives in the mail. In Scott’s experience, there are many inconsistencies when claimants receive their first monthly payment or their back pay payment from the Social Security Administration (SSA). He often sees claimants receive their payment within 60 days of being approved but some claimants have to wait months and months before receiving their first payment. Don’t be too surprised if you receive the back pay deposited in your account before you receive your decision from the SSA.

Indiana claimants may wonder what causes this inconsistency in payments. Although it is difficult to understand the delay, it may be because back pay payments are not processed at the same Social Security office where a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits claim is initially processed. SSDI payments are handled at “Payment Processing Centers” which are often located at states other than the one the claim is initiated. Additionally, it’s only stating the obvious that there are large amounts of payments to process at the processing centers which may cause delays.

As frustrating as it may be, be patient because your payment should arrive. If you have successfully made it through the claims process, waiting a little while longer should be worth it when that first payment arrives. If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits and would like a free consultation regarding your claim, call Attorney Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888.